Texas Barbecue Chili Recipes

TEXAS BBQ SWEET-HOT CHILI

Steps:

• Sauté onion in a little bit of oil. Add ground beef and minced garlic. Dust with dill, chili powder, cumin and red pepper flakes. Mix and cook covered over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is cooked through. Drain fat.
• Add tomatoes, tomato paste and beans.
• Add picante sauce, barbecue sauce, diced green chilies.
• Add any additional chili powder and/or red pepper flakes.
• Bring to a low boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or more. I have let this simmer for up to 2 hours and the longer it sits, the yummier it gets. It's great the next day, and the day after, too!
• Serve with sour cream and shredded cheese on top. Eat with the Frito Scoops if you are feeling adventurous enough to dig in without a spoon.
• Optional - Make a box of mac 'n cheese and ring your chili bowl with it before spooning in the chili. Delectable!

DADDY'S 'IF THEY'DA HAD THIS AT THE ALAMO WE WOULD'HA WON!' TEXAS CHILI

Steps:

• Melt the bacon drippings in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are translucent.
• Combine the beef with the garlic, ground chile, chili powder and cumin. Add this meat-and-spices to the onions in the pot. Break up any meat that sticks together as you cook, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes, until meat is evenly browned (very browned, not just gray). Sprinkle in Hungarian paprika and oregano.
• Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, salt, parsley and jalapeno. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour. NOTE: True Texans DO NOT add beans to their chili, but my husband loves them, so this is the point where you can add as many cans of drained and rinsed pinto beans as you wish (I add 2 cans, but shhhhhh don't tell my Daddy!!!).
• During cooking you may squeeze the jalapeno as it softens against the sides of the pot to release more heat if desired.
• Mix in the masa harina, and cook while stirring for 30 minutes longer, or until desired consistency is achieved. Taste and adjust seasonings.